Above It All

By Liv Hubbard, 17, Wisconsin

The sky was almost too blue to be real. The perfectly-shaped clouds slowly shifted across the sky. The grass was so green and fresh like I’d never seen it before. As I exited the vehicle, the slight breeze pushed my hair into my eyes. I was already sweating from the blazing sun.

I followed the tour guide into the deep green trees. Frogs croaked and twigs snapped. Everything was quiet and still and peaceful (besides the soft chatter of other tourists nearby). I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, taking in my surroundings. 

I walked further into the jungle, scanning the trees and nature for any wildlife. Each step I took brought me closer to the waterfalls. The waterfalls that were so blue and perfect they almost looked like a dream. I wanted to spend the rest of my life surrounded by this nature, in this moment, never having to leave this destination. But the time only lasted for so long, so I promised myself I’d make the most of it. 

I continued up the cobblestone path, admiring the tree roots that twisted and turned, snaking around other life. I was careful not to trip or disturb the growth of the trees. The air in this beautiful country was clean and earthy; inhaling the nature around me felt refreshing. Being in Costa Rica cleared my mind from negative thoughts and gave me peace. I hadn’t been able to think clearly for as long as I could remember.  

The branches were covered in bright green leaves. Moss grew up the trunks that curved over the path, consuming every drop of sunlight. Birds swooped and swirled, singing their favorite tune, chasing each other through the obstacle course of trees, having the time of their lives. 

Up ahead, there was a bridge. It stretched across a beautiful waterfall that splashed and crashed below. Small green plants grew on the rocks, covering the background in lush greenery. Droplets of water sprayed onto the bridge, almost hitting my shoes. 

I looked to my right and my jaw dropped. I could see for miles, and at the end of it all, there was a volcano, touching the tips of the clouds… just barely. Miles and miles of trees stretched far across the island, covered in wildflowers and wildlife. At the base of the volcano, vines crept up from the earth, twisting and turning around the rocky sides. It was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.

I never wanted to leave this place. I didn’t want to call anywhere else home. There was no stress, no problems—just freedom. But it only lasted for so long.

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What inspired this piece was traveling to Costa Rica after getting out of a mental hospital and just feeling like myself again.

Photo by Liv Hubbard